Sharing homemade touches has always been one of my favorite parts of the Holiday Season, especially when our whole family is gathered together. This year, I’m delighted to share a simple DIY project we love: watercolor gift tags that add a personal touch to any present or bottle of wine. I hope this little tradition of ours brings a bit of cheer and creativity to your own Holiday preparations.
There’s a special joy in giving a gift that feels personal and meaningful, one that says, “I thought of you.” In our family, we learned this through the tradition of the “Gift Box,” a stash of unique treasures saved for just the right moment. Today, I treat my wine cellar much the same way, setting aside special vintages to share with friends and family. With a little tissue paper and ribbon, a well-chosen bottle becomes a memorable gift, one that’s enjoyed, shared, and retold around the table. Savvy Hafner patrons stock up on new releases to build their own “wine gift box,” ensuring they always have thoughtful wine gifts ready for the holidays and beyond.
Last Saturday, we hosted our annual Next Generation Harvest Party here at the winery. It’s a way we introduce the next generation of Hafner patrons to our wine and wine in general. We had a lively bunch of about 150 guests and 50 children for afternoon in the Grove. People tasted an array of our wines, enjoyed locally-sourced and homemade bites, played games like cornhole, gathered around the community table to share their story of Hafner wine, and on their way out, packed their cars with wine to enjoy at home.
Sarah Hafner shares the inspiration behind her two new watercolors - a kestrel and quail. Originally painted for her granddaughter Marie's room, we shared those two illustrations on notepads that we included in the Fall Release of our Annual Tasting Program patrons. Watercolors can be challenging because you can’t hide your mistakes, so Sarah shares more about the difficulties with the two birds.
In June, we launched the Summer Smiles Photograph Contest and here at the winners! Captured are anniversaries, proposals, weddings, family reunions, milestone birthdays, evenings with neighbors and friends, elegant galas supporting community organizations, the relaxing moments out on the water, plus a quiet afternoon in the backyard hammock. Patrons from coast to coast, north to south, shared memories of their Summer fun.
